Former Derry attacker signs for Dergview

EX-Derry GAA attacker Emmett McGuckin has signed for Bluefin Sport Championship club Dergview.

McGuckin is one of four new signings confirmed by Derg boss Ivan Sproule following Saturday’s Tennents Irish Cup win over Maiden City.

McGuckin played his soccer with Magherafelt Sky Blues in the Northern Ireland Intermediate League and Sproule admitted that the striker was a key target from the moment he had taken charge at his hometown club.

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And he is delighted that the former Oak Leaf County man has agreed to put pen to paper.

“I have been chasing Emmett from the day I came through the door,” he said.

“The reason why Emmett hasn’t played Irish League football yet is because of his commitments to the GAA.

“It’s taken me a while to get him over the line. He trained on Thursday night and was impressed with what he has seen.

“He’s a player that excites me. He was the reason why Ardstraw didn’t win the league last season when I was there because we couldn’t handle him.

“He knows he’s taking a step up but having saw him in the flesh I have used my own judgement to bring him in.”

McGuckin comes in as one of quartet of new signings. Sproule has made himself available if needed and is joined by goalkeeper Ruairi McElroy, who joins from neighbours Strabane Athletic, and teenager Lee McCullagh from Ardstraw.

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The Castlederg club has released goalkeeper Tom Hegan and Sproule has thanked the young Limavady man for his services.

“Ruairi made his debut on Saturday and comes in to fight for that number one spot with Alan Buchanan,” added the Derg supremo.

“That meant we had to release Tom and that was difficult. Tom has given real effort this last number of months travelling up from Limavady. I wish Tom all the best.

“Lee McCullagh is an exciting young talent from my time at Ardstraw. He’s one I’m going to try and develop as a first team footballer which I have no doubt he is capable off. For me he’s the most exciting young talent around this area.”